Prep Football: Forreston, Eastland-Pearl City aim for NUIC Northwest title

Thursday

Oct 24, 2013 at 5:30 PMOct 24, 2013 at 10:21 PM

By Joey BaskervilleThe Journal-Standard

LANARK — Forreston has an array of offensive weapons Eastland-Pearl City must defend against tonight on the road.

Robert DeVries can be a versatile quarterback when his number’s called, while running backs Spencer Cruthis and Ross Williams lead the Cardinals’ rushing attack.

Who should E-PC key on defensively?

“You don’t,” Wildcatz coach Randy Asche said. “You can’t key because if you do, they can burn you from every other angle.

“That’s what makes them so good and so potent offensively. You can’t just focus on one. They can do so many things.”

E-PC struggled last season against Forreston with a share of the NUIC Northwest crown on the line, as the Wildcats had to score a game-winning touchdown in the final minute of contest.

“We’re going to have to be more focused than last year,” Asche said. “It’s a daunting task and we didn’t have a ton of success against them last year.

“It’s just very tough to focus on one thing. As coaches we thought we had this great defensive idea to take things away, and they just destroyed us in the aspect and we needed to make some changes. The kids adapted.”

With a win, E-PC clinches thje title outright. With a loss, the Wildcatz share it with the Cardinals.

“I don’t think the kids on either team are very good at sharing things,” Asche said. “It’s bragging rights for a full year and this game also has huge playoff implications.

“We’ll get a chance at a higher seed in 2A and with so many 8-1 teams, some may end up on the road. An 8-1 record for Forreston will probably get them a home game.”

Forreston may have its hands full as well on defense, as junior running back Eric Schaney comes into tonight’s game as the second-leading rusher in the NUIC. Fellow junior Donny Groezinger is right behind him.

And E-PC’s offensive line has paved the way for the team’s 8-0 record and spotless 17-0 regular season mark through two seasons.

“The competition is steep on the offensive line and we’re fortunate that we have a special group of boys,” Asche said. “That’s been a big asset to us.”